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Ovariohysterectomy in Dogs

When we take on the responsibility of a pet we need to ask ourselves if we are prepared to take care of puppies in the event our female becomes pregnant. What might be our choice in remedies for dogs in the event of an unwanted pregnancy? In undergoing an ovariohysterectomy what are the risk to our pet in undergoing this surgical procedure?

What is ovariohysterectomy in dogs?

Ovariohysterectomy is a surgical procedure, performed under general anesthesia, used in the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a dog. This may be deemed necessary in the treatment of disease or as an elective surgery. This procedure may be performed on a dog at any age but some veterinarians may recommend one wait until a dog is at least six months of age. Read below where Experts have answered many questions relating to ovariohysterectomy in dogs.

What options does a pet owner have to terminate an unexpected pregnancy in their dog?

Termination of your pet’s pregnancy can be done through the use of an injectable drug. The other options would be to have your pet spayed (ovariohysterectomy) or let the dog have the puppies. If one wants their pet to brood a liter at a later date than ovariohysterectomy in dogs may not be an effective option. A pregnancy examination may be necessary before any drug is administered in terminating a dog’s pregnancy.

A female dog who was spayed approximately 2 years ago is spotting and emitting pheromones, is this normal?

A dog should not experience a period (heat cycle) if the spayed procedure was performed correctly. When an ovariohysterectomy in dogs has been performed it is possible that some part of the ovary may have been left behind. This is called ovarian remnant syndrome, or ectopic ovarian tissue that may be present in your pet’s abdomen. A consult and evaluation with the veterinarian may be necessary in determining if the spotting is secreting from the vaginal cavity. Additional testing while your pet is in heat may need to be performed in determining a cause of a pet’s discharges. Additional surgery may be necessary in finding remedies for dogs with ovarian remnant syndrome.

Why would a senior dog come into heat more than once in a normal cycle?

Pyometra, an infection of the uterus, is the most common cause for an older dog to come into cycle within a few months between heats. When the cervix is opened during a heat cycle an infectious bacteria may enter the uterus. The only treatment may be ovariohysterectomy in dogs. This is a procedure used in the removal of the uterus. This may offer a cure with a full recovery from surgery. An Expert may offer insight of signs and symptoms of pyometra and test deemed necessary in a proper diagnosis of a pets symptoms.

How long does a dog need to remain at the vet when undergoing hysterectomy or an ovariohysterectomy?

In most cases a routine hysterectomy or ovariohysterectomy is performed as a same day procedure that allows your pet to return home on the evening of the procedure. A post-surgery procedure may be implemented in many cases. Medications may be prescribed to help with bruising, swelling and discomfort and restrictions in activities may need to be implemented in allowing a pet to heal. Running, jumping and outside play may need to be restricted and limited for a given period of time.

Knowledge of spay procedures may offer your pet the safest and best procedure necessary in remedies for dogs experiencing uterus complications. An Expert may have insight to procedure, risk and after care necessary in undergoing an ovariohysterectomy for dogs’ surgical procedure.

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